£1.7m payout for girl who suffered severe brain damage at birth

A FAMILY has been paid more than £1.7million by Basildon Hospital after their daughter was born with catastrophic brain damage.

Niamh Ridgwell, now nine, from Grays, has the severest of cerebral palsy as a result of her brain being starved of oxygen shortly before she was born at the hospital ten years ago.

Hospital bosses had disputed that the brain damage Niamh suffered was due to errors made by midwifery staff.

But on Tuesday, a High Court judge disagreed and approved the huge settlement.

Sandra, Niahm’s mum, said: “We have been fighting repeatedly for justice for our daughter during the last nine years and never gave up.

“Thankfully our persistence, and that of our legal team at Irwin Mitchell, has finally paid off. This means we have at least the peace of mind that Niamh’s future care needs will be largely met by the settlement.”

During the early stages of labour on May 10, 2004, Peter and Sandra phoned the delivery suite at Basildon Hospital on three occasions from their home in Grays. They were concerned about an increased rate of contractions and constant pain.

But the couple were advised repeatedly by the midwives that Sandra should just take pain killers and have a hot bath at home.

The pain was so bad, though, that Sandra decided to admit herself to hospital at 3.35am, where abnormal heart readings were taken of Niamh.

Her heart was constantly slowing and at 4.16am her heart readings turned “pathological”.

About 45 minutes later, via an emergency caesarean, Niamh was born, but she was not in a good way.

The new born baby had suffered a feto-maternal haemorrhage - and Sandra had suffered a placental abruption.

It was found that if nurses had correctly advised Sandra to attend hospital immediately, Niamh could have been delivered two hours earlier, avoiding her brain being starved of oxygen.

Sandra added: “I had a healthy pregnancy with no complications and both my husband and I were so excited to be welcoming our first born child into the world.

“The advice was always to make contact with the delivery suite first before going into the hospital which is what I did.

“It is too late for our daughter and for us as a family, but I would like to think that lessons can be learnt from this case by all parties concerned so that future parents and newborn children are not exposed to the same fate.”

Sandra and Peter had called on the help of medical law experts Irwin Mitchell to fight the case.

Auriana Griffiths, a partner at the firm, said: “This was a very difficult case to pursue as the hospital Trust insisted that the feto-maternal haemorrhage Niamh suffered was the sole cause of the brain damage and therefore could not have been avoided.

Comments

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.SLord90

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

Score: -40

jb411
1:12pm Thu 1 May 14

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

You are the one that's disgusting! That is a terrible thing to say, the money is for the future care for their very disabled daughter (midwife's fault), in case they aren't around to look after her, why should she suffer because there's no money to look after her. I think you should apologise.

[quote][p][bold]SLord90[/bold] wrote:
The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.[/p][/quote]You are the one that's disgusting! That is a terrible thing to say, the money is for the future care for their very disabled daughter (midwife's fault), in case they aren't around to look after her, why should she suffer because there's no money to look after her. I think you should apologise.jb411

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

You are the one that's disgusting! That is a terrible thing to say, the money is for the future care for their very disabled daughter (midwife's fault), in case they aren't around to look after her, why should she suffer because there's no money to look after her. I think you should apologise.

Score: 15

Nathanboy20
1:14pm Thu 1 May 14

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserveNathanboy20

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

Score: -10

Nathanboy20
1:18pm Thu 1 May 14

It has taken a lot of my stuff out I put in on this post

It has taken a lot of my stuff out I put in on this postNathanboy20

It has taken a lot of my stuff out I put in on this post

Score: -8

Phil McCrakin
1:44pm Thu 1 May 14

Nathanboy20, you are, without a doubt, one of the most cretinous individuals to ever have posted on this site.

Nathanboy20, you are, without a doubt, one of the most cretinous individuals to ever have posted on this site.Phil McCrakin

Nathanboy20, you are, without a doubt, one of the most cretinous individuals to ever have posted on this site.

Score: 14

Adrenaline_Junkie
3:29pm Thu 1 May 14

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.Adrenaline_Junkie

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

Score: -25

Living the La Vida Legra
6:16pm Thu 1 May 14

Nathanboy20 wrote…

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

Are you speaking English? I can't make out what your trying to say
Its Jibberish!

[quote][p][bold]Nathanboy20[/bold] wrote:
No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve[/p][/quote]Are you speaking English? I can't make out what your trying to say
Its Jibberish!Living the La Vida Legra

Nathanboy20 wrote…

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

Are you speaking English? I can't make out what your trying to say
Its Jibberish!

Score: 7

LexyGirl
7:03pm Thu 1 May 14

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

omg what a heartless soul you are ;((

[quote][p][bold]SLord90[/bold] wrote:
The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.[/p][/quote]omg what a heartless soul you are ;((LexyGirl

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

omg what a heartless soul you are ;((

Score: 2

poortaxpayer
7:09pm Thu 1 May 14

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.

[quote][p][bold]Adrenaline_Junkie[/bold] wrote:
Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.[/p][/quote]You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.poortaxpayer

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.

Score: 12

LexyGirl
7:12pm Thu 1 May 14

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

AJ, Have you ever heard of Karma? That's what I believe in. I think you are truly evil and disgusting and Karma will pay you back one day for the terrible thing you wrote here..

[quote][p][bold]Adrenaline_Junkie[/bold] wrote:
Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.[/p][/quote]AJ, Have you ever heard of Karma? That's what I believe in. I think you are truly evil and disgusting and Karma will pay you back one day for the terrible thing you wrote here..LexyGirl

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

AJ, Have you ever heard of Karma? That's what I believe in. I think you are truly evil and disgusting and Karma will pay you back one day for the terrible thing you wrote here..

Score: 5

LexyGirl
7:16pm Thu 1 May 14

poortaxpayer wrote…

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.

Poor taxpayer, yes that is true about the trust fund because it happened to someone I know.

[quote][p][bold]poortaxpayer[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Adrenaline_Junkie[/bold] wrote:
Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.[/p][/quote]You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.[/p][/quote]Poor taxpayer, yes that is true about the trust fund because it happened to someone I know.LexyGirl

poortaxpayer wrote…

Adrenaline_Junkie wrote…

Seems kind of worth it. New Ferrari, new house, and a nice holiday.

You idiot. The money normally gets put into a trust fund and used to pay for the 24 hour care and support this child will require for the rest of their life. As the child gets older the level of care and support will increase. I hope you never have to care for and fight for funding for a severally disabled child. You c0ck.

Poor taxpayer, yes that is true about the trust fund because it happened to someone I know.

Score: 4

DogsMessInLeigh
9:55pm Thu 1 May 14

Nathanboy20 wrote…

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

I tried to read this but it just reminded me of first learning to read in infant school.

[quote][p][bold]Nathanboy20[/bold] wrote:
No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve[/p][/quote]I tried to read this but it just reminded me of first learning to read in infant school.DogsMessInLeigh

Nathanboy20 wrote…

No bas hospital **** up so why should they sit the have a brain damage people cost a lot of money for care she needs so don't be disrespect full if ur mum done this for you u wouldn't right that stuff on her u would use it for ur party out and ur drugs it of u don't like people who get there money they deserve

I tried to read this but it just reminded me of first learning to read in infant school.

Score: 5

grays_mum
12:55pm Fri 2 May 14

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

What a charmer you are. I'm sure that Peter and Sandra would rather have a daughter who could live a normal, pain-free life than have this payout. £1.7m doesn't go far when you need to pay to have your home adapted and ensure you have adequate care in place for the entire lifetime of the child.

[quote][p][bold]SLord90[/bold] wrote:
The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.[/p][/quote]What a charmer you are. I'm sure that Peter and Sandra would rather have a daughter who could live a normal, pain-free life than have this payout. £1.7m doesn't go far when you need to pay to have your home adapted and ensure you have adequate care in place for the entire lifetime of the child.grays_mum

SLord90 wrote…

The things people do for money... using their disabled daughter as an excuse. Disgusting.

What a charmer you are. I'm sure that Peter and Sandra would rather have a daughter who could live a normal, pain-free life than have this payout. £1.7m doesn't go far when you need to pay to have your home adapted and ensure you have adequate care in place for the entire lifetime of the child.

Score: 7

PimpDaddy
7:15pm Sat 3 May 14

My heart sank after reading this story and felt even more depressed after reading the negative, uneducated and misinformed comments listed by a handful of people who in my opinion have probably in some capacity have allowed certain negative events in their lives either past or present to remain with them ensuring the future of them being liked or loved severely diminished, however after reading the comments of people that clearly have a kind and understanding heart and fought back with comments of positiveness & understanding its true no matter where you go there will always be a few bad apples. PantherPink.

My heart sank after reading this story and felt even more depressed after reading the negative, uneducated and misinformed comments listed by a handful of people who in my opinion have probably in some capacity have allowed certain negative events in their lives either past or present to remain with them ensuring the future of them being liked or loved severely diminished, however after reading the comments of people that clearly have a kind and understanding heart and fought back with comments of positiveness & understanding its true no matter where you go there will always be a few bad apples. PantherPink.PimpDaddy

My heart sank after reading this story and felt even more depressed after reading the negative, uneducated and misinformed comments listed by a handful of people who in my opinion have probably in some capacity have allowed certain negative events in their lives either past or present to remain with them ensuring the future of them being liked or loved severely diminished, however after reading the comments of people that clearly have a kind and understanding heart and fought back with comments of positiveness & understanding its true no matter where you go there will always be a few bad apples. PantherPink.

Score: 4

d_2da_ougle
7:02pm Sun 4 May 14

a little bad to see negative comments put this into perspective, not all cerebal palsey is the same some people come out worse of then others with it for a payout to of reached such a scale in numeration im boeyond no doubt in saying im pretty sure this must of been a bad case in which the patient will need 24 hour round the clock care in the future please think before you speak

a little bad to see negative comments put this into perspective, not all cerebal palsey is the same some people come out worse of then others with it for a payout to of reached such a scale in numeration im boeyond no doubt in saying im pretty sure this must of been a bad case in which the patient will need 24 hour round the clock care in the future please think before you speakd_2da_ougle

a little bad to see negative comments put this into perspective, not all cerebal palsey is the same some people come out worse of then others with it for a payout to of reached such a scale in numeration im boeyond no doubt in saying im pretty sure this must of been a bad case in which the patient will need 24 hour round the clock care in the future please think before you speak

Score: 4

eire95
5:50pm Wed 7 May 14

These negative comments have obviously come from people who are highly uneducated, misinformed, ignorant and sorry excuses for human beings. The money does not compensate for the loss of a normal happy girl but will contribute for her care while she is still here and give the parents the piece of mind knowing she is well cared for. Basildon Hospital have caused not only grief for this family but for many others and too many children have suffered due to their negligence. It takes courage and many years of stress to fight such a big institution such as the NHS. They must be made accountable as all mothers to be put their complete trust in them. I hope you bunch of morons SLord90 & Adrenaline_Junkie never have to watch your child suffer every day. Freaks!!

These negative comments have obviously come from people who are highly uneducated, misinformed, ignorant and sorry excuses for human beings. The money does not compensate for the loss of a normal happy girl but will contribute for her care while she is still here and give the parents the piece of mind knowing she is well cared for. Basildon Hospital have caused not only grief for this family but for many others and too many children have suffered due to their negligence. It takes courage and many years of stress to fight such a big institution such as the NHS. They must be made accountable as all mothers to be put their complete trust in them. I hope you bunch of morons SLord90 & Adrenaline_Junkie never have to watch your child suffer every day. Freaks!!eire95

These negative comments have obviously come from people who are highly uneducated, misinformed, ignorant and sorry excuses for human beings. The money does not compensate for the loss of a normal happy girl but will contribute for her care while she is still here and give the parents the piece of mind knowing she is well cared for. Basildon Hospital have caused not only grief for this family but for many others and too many children have suffered due to their negligence. It takes courage and many years of stress to fight such a big institution such as the NHS. They must be made accountable as all mothers to be put their complete trust in them. I hope you bunch of morons SLord90 & Adrenaline_Junkie never have to watch your child suffer every day. Freaks!!

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